How to Dispute an Insurance Audit Overcharge in Florida

You just received your workers\u2019 compensation or general liability audit bill. The number is much higher than you expected. Your first instinct might be to just pay it and move on. Do not do that. Florida contractors dispute and win insurance audit overcharges every day \u2014 but only if they act quickly and know the process.

Why Audit Bills Are So Often Wrong

Insurance carriers audit your payroll using the records you provide \u2014 but they also make assumptions when records are missing or ambiguous. They will assign payroll to the highest applicable class code if job duties are not clearly documented. They will include subcontractor payroll if COIs are missing or expired. They will count overtime at full value instead of applying the overtime exclusion. Each of these errors can add thousands to your bill.

Step 1: Request the Audit Worksheet Immediately

Before you can dispute anything, you need to see exactly how the auditor calculated your bill. Request the full audit worksheet from your insurance carrier or broker within 5 business days of receiving your bill. This document shows every payroll figure used, every class code assigned, and every subcontractor included or excluded. This is your roadmap for the dispute.

Step 2: Identify Every Error

Go through the worksheet line by line. Check that every employee is in the correct NCCI class code. Verify that all subcontractor COIs you provided were credited. Confirm that overtime was properly excluded. Check that clerical and administrative staff are classified as 8810. Look for any payroll figures that do not match your records.

Step 3: Gather Your Documentation

For every error you find, gather the supporting documentation. For class code disputes, this means job descriptions, time records, and any written documentation of employee duties. For subcontractor COI disputes, this means the actual certificates with dates that cover the work period. For overtime exclusions, this means payroll records that clearly separate the overtime premium from straight-time pay.

Step 4: File a Formal Dispute

Submit your dispute in writing to the insurance carrier\u2019s audit department, with copies to your broker. Include a cover letter that clearly states each disputed item, the amount in question, and the supporting documentation attached. Keep a copy of everything you send and get confirmation of receipt.

Most carriers have a formal dispute resolution process. In Florida, if you cannot resolve the dispute directly with the carrier, you can escalate to the Florida Department of Financial Services or pursue arbitration through NCCI.

The Bottom Line

Audit Monkey has recovered over $10M in insurance audit overcharges for Florida contractors. If you received an audit bill that seems too high, contact us for a free review before you pay a dollar.